I almost can't believe how many times this album has, out of nowhere, come up in conversation the past few weeks. The "almost" is there because "RTJ2" is the most bombastic, praiseworthy album of 2014, as Killer Mike and EL-P dance on a knife's edge with their rhymes. —Dana MoranNot every song on this explosive sequel hits the same heights. But when Killer Mike and El-P nail it, they go so deep they practically dig to the other side of the planet. "Early" and "Crown" are instant classics. —Matt Pais The best rap duo since the Clipse craft more aggressive and insightful rap music with more nuance and intensity than anything else you'll read on this list. —Ernest Wilkins

I almost can't believe how many times this album has, out of nowhere, come up in conversation the past few weeks. The "almost" is there because "RTJ2" is the most bombastic, praiseworthy album of 2014, as Killer Mike and EL-P dance on a knife's edge with their rhymes. —Dana MoranNot every song on this explosive sequel hits the same heights. But when Killer Mike and El-P nail it, they go so deep they practically dig to the other side of the planet. "Early" and "Crown" are instant classics. —Matt Pais The best rap duo since the Clipse craft more aggressive and insightful rap music with more nuance and intensity than anything else you'll read on this list. —Ernest Wilkins